The Sun Welcomes Me – A Poem

The theme for Lens-Artists Challenge #12 is Path. This reminds me of some poems I have written about the path I have traveled.

We may have decided on a destination or direction to go, but we don’t get to choose the path to get there. It is true in my journey. It was through pain and suffering, travel high and low, to come to where I am at this point in my life. If a time machine could take me back and give me a chance to choose a path, I wouldn’t have chosen a different path. I believe there is a reason for every season.

This poem was written in reflection to my diagnosis of stage IV Melanoma cancer in 2008. I went through six months of harsh chemotherapy treatment, three surgeries, and two months of radiation therapy. After the treatments, it took two years of physical therapy and ongoing exercise to recuperate. My left leg still suffers lymph-edema (swelling) and requires daily exercise and wearing the compression stocking.

But, I’m happy! My physical condition motivates me to go to the gym with my husband and go walking either with or without him!

The Sun Welcomes Me

Journey through high and low

amid worrisome melanoma cancer.

The sense of mortality heightened, with

no assumption of the survival chances.

My prayer was to ask the mercy of the Maker

granting me one more moment to live.

Every new morning was a precious gift.

cloudy or sunny the sky might be,

trotting on the street rain or shine,

even when having no energy to pick up my feet.

hoping to keep up the physical strength

to sustain through six months of harsh chemotherapy.

What a profound gratefulness as treatment fading at the end

when the sun pierced through the clouds to welcome me.

~

I’m glad to announce that the compiling of my first poetry book is done. It is in the hand of the editor. There’s still a lot of work to do! ♪♫ ♥♫♪

Yes, indeed, Ashley. In my new poetry book, this poem is under the theme Songs of Physical Healing. I had a quote as the intro to this theme. It said, “You never know how strong you are until strong is your only option.” – Bob Marley ❤ Thank you so much for your comment. ❤

Thank you, Robbie for posting it on your poetry Facebook. My poetry book should come out within six weeks, I hope. One quarter of the poems are about my journey through physical and emotional suffering and my faith and community support helped me go through them.
Since it’s a poetry book and doesn’t have a plot, I’m trying to see what other authors do in the back cover. I have 2 or 3 recommendations. I could have them on the back cover. What do you think since you’ve done so many book reviews?

HI Miriam, the back needs to capture the essence of your book and why you wrote it – the emotions behind the writing. I have just written the blurb for my poetry book. Much harder for poetry than for a fiction book.

Powerful poem Miriam. You are another warrior woman. I am so glad you have conquered and flourished from it. That’s scary business and a reminder for everyone to get checked annually. My husband has had plenty of things removed or burnt off and next month he has to have something cut out on his forehead. Skin cancer is a silent creeper. Glad you are well ❤

Yes, Debby. I’m still very cautious, pay attention to my body. I get lab work every 6 months, CT/PET 1x/year for the last 9 years. I told the specialist that as long as he wants to see me, I’ll go see him.
I had friends with returning cancer and finally took their lives.
Your husband is lucky to have you care for him. Best wishes for his treatment next month. Just have to keep up. I know. ❤

We fought our way through different cancers at about the same time, dear Miriam! Congratulations! Ten years since cancer is quite a milestone! And Bravo on your book! Can’t wait for it to be published! ❤

LORD, thank You for continuing to bless Miriam. Thank You for her continued recovery, and for keeping Your hand on her through his journey with her book. In Jesus precious Name! I love you LORD, Amen. 🙂